HAIR REMOVAL
Tired of body hair?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light to remove unwanted hair.
During laser hair removal, a laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.
Although laser hair removal effectively delays hair growth for long periods, it usually doesn't result in permanent hair removal. Multiple laser hair removal treatments are needed for initial hair removal, and maintenance treatments might be needed as well. Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair, but it can be successfully used on all skin types.
Laser hair removal usually requires two to six treatments. The interval between treatments will vary depending on the location. On areas where hair grows quickly, such as the upper lip, the treatment might be repeated in four to eight weeks. On areas of slow hair growth, such as the back, the treatment might be every 12 to 16 weeks.
GETTING READY FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
Your practitioner will offer specific instructions to prepare for laser hair removal.
These might include..
Staying out of the sun
Follow your practitioners advice for avoiding sun exposure before and after treatment. Whenever you go out, apply a broad-spectrum, SPF30 sunscreen.
Lightening your skin
Avoid any skin creams that darken your skin.
Avoiding other hair removal methods
Plucking, waxing and electrolysis can disturb the hair follicle and should be avoided at least four weeks before treatment.
Avoid blood-thinning medications
Ask your practitioner about what medications, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, to avoid before the procedure.
Shaving treatment area
Trimming and shaving is recommended the day before laser treatment. It removes hair above the skin that can result in surface skin damage from burnt hairs, but it leaves the hair shaft intact below the surface.
RISKS
Laser hair removal is considered a safe procedure for most candidates. We recommend that women postpone their laser hair treatment during pregnancy.
The side effects after laser hair removal are rare and mild. They include redness, swelling, and itchiness.
Skin irritation
Temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal. Any signs and symptoms typically disappear within several hours.
Pigment changes
Laser hair removal might darken or lighten the affected skin. These changes might be temporary or permanent. Skin lightening primarily affects those who don't avoid sun exposure before or after treatment and those who have darker skin.
Severe side effects
Severe side effects are very rare and include scarring, blistering, skin discoloration, and increased hair growth. If you experience these symptoms, contact your practitioner or doctor for advice.
Laser hair removal isn't recommended for eyelids, eyebrows or surrounding areas, due to the possibility of severe eye injury.
AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT
1.
You might notice redness and swelling for the first few hours after laser hair removal.
2.
To reduce any discomfort, apply ice to the treated area. If you have a skin reaction immediately after laser hair removal, your practitioner might apply cream to the affected area.
3.
After laser hair removal and between scheduled treatments, avoid sunlight and don't use a tanning bed for six weeks or as directed by your practitioner. Use a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen daily.
RESULTS
Hairs do not fall out immediately, but you will shed them over a period of days to weeks. This may look like continued hair growth. The repeated treatments are usually necessary because hair growth and loss naturally occur in a cycle, and laser treatment works best with hair follicles in the new-growth stage.
Results vary significantly and are difficult to predict. Most people experience hair removal that lasts several months, and it might last for years. But laser hair removal doesn't guarantee permanent hair removal. When hair regrows, it's usually finer and lighter in color.
You might need maintenance laser treatments for long-term hair reduction.
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